Media Statement by Liew Chin Tong in Georgetown on Tuesday, 1^st September 2009:

Change is an infectious theme of our time

The Democratic Party of Japan’s general election win on Sunday proves that ‘change’ is an infectious theme of our time. Massive political change through the ballot boxes, unimaginable just a short time ago, happened in the blink of an eye. After five decades of unbroken conservative rule by the Liberal Democratic Party, the DPJ’s resounding electoral win of over 300 seats in a total of 480 indicates a catalyst for meaningful and unprecedented political change.

The DPJ vows to introduce transparency in government, popular sovereignty, a respect for fundamental human rights, and a free-market economic system. The discontent of the people with the bureaucracy of the conservative Japanese government, which was deemed too large, too inefficient, and too saturated with cronies, was evident yesterday at the polls. We believe the end of the LDP’s longstanding political dynasty exposes lessons for similar parties like UMNO, who have dominated the political arena without fear of contest.

Determining and managing to overthrow an archaic regime locked in old thinking and vested interests, we congratulate the DPJ in their success that will hopefully usher in a new era for Japan. We are confident that incoming Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama will remain committed to the mantra of change that has swept the DPJ into power. We look forward to seeing Japan sustain economic recovery, progressive policies and reform, and in so doing, set a remarkable precedent for other nations to follow.

* Liew Chin Tong, DAP International Secretary & MP for Bukit Bendera